All runners, walkers, spectators – and ice cream eaters – are invited to participate in the 20th annual DadsDay Run on Father’s Day
morning, June 19. Proceeds from the run support Family Connections of
Northeast Ohio. The nonprofit’s mission is to engage families with children
from birth to six years old and nurture social connections, enhance child
development, and promote school readiness.
This year’s run commemorates not only two decades of the event, but
also the end of two years of virtual races.
“To celebrate the anniversary, we wanted to stay connected to our
roots and resume an actual DadsDay Run,” says Susie Cargile, development
director for Family Connections.
The run and festivities will begin in the area between the Stephanie
Tubbs Jones Community Building and Shaker Main Library. New routes and
expanded distance options include five miles, two-and-a-half miles, and one
mile, along with a short Kids Sprint for the youngest racers. Participants,
including canine runners, will receive the traditional Father’s Day gift when
they finish – a necktie.
“We hope neighbors will line the race route to cheer on the runners,
and then join us to enjoy refreshments and entertainment, all of which
are free,” says Cargile. Post-race offerings include entertainment, snacks,
and special appearances by Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss and
WKYC meteorologist and Shaker resident, Matt Wentz. The DadsDay Run
originator, Peter Nagusky, is honorary chair of this year’s landmark event.
“The City has been amazing and so helpful, and we are invigorated by
all the good energy,” says Cargile.
Scene
in Shaker
A Good Reason to Run
By Sue Starrett
78 SPRING 2022 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
/WWW.SHAKER.LIFE